TRV
Translation
King James Version
Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Complete Jewish Bible
Who does overcome the world if not the person who believes that Yeshua is the Son of God?
Berean Standard Bible
Who then overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
American Standard Version
And who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
World English Bible Messianic
Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Yeshua is the Son of God?
Geneva Bible (1599)
Who is it that ouercommeth this world, but he which beleeueth that Iesus is that Sonne of God?
Young's Literal Translation
who is he who is overcoming the world, if not he who is believing that Jesus is the Son of God?
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 John 5 verses 1–5
1 ¶ Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
I. The apostle having, in the conclusion of the last chapter, as was there observed, urged Christian love upon those two accounts, as suitable to Christian profession and as suitable to the divine command, here adds a third: Such love is suitable, and indeed demanded, by their eminent relation; our Christian brethren or fellow-believers are nearly related to God; they are his children: Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, Jo1 5:1. Here the Christian brother is, 1. Described by his faith; he that believeth that Jesus is the Christ - that he is Messiah the prince, that he is the Son of God by nature and office, that he is the chief of all the anointed world, chief of all the priests, prophets, or kings, who were ever anointed by God or for him, that he is perfectly prepared and furnished for the whole work of the eternal salvation - accordingly yields himself up to his care and direction; and then he is, 2. Dignified by his descent: He is born of God, Jo1 5:1. This principle of faith, and the new nature that attends it or from which it springs, are ingenerated by the Spirit of God; and so sonship and adoption are not now appropriated to the seed of Abraham according to the flesh, not to the ancient Israel of God; all believers, though by nature sinners of the Gentiles, are spiritually descended from God, and accordingly are to be beloved; as it is added: Every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him, Jo1 5:1. It seems but natural that he who loves the Father should love the children also, and that in some proportion to their resemblance to their Father and to the Father's love to them; and so we must first and principally love the Son of the Father, as he is most emphatically styled, Jo2 1:3, the only (necessarily) begotten, and the Son of his love, and then those that are voluntarily begotten, and renewed by the Spirit of grace.
II. The apostle shows, 1. How we may discern the truth, or the true evangelical nature of our love to the regenerate. The ground of it must be our love to God, whose they are: By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, Jo1 5:2. Our love to them appears to be sound and genuine when we love them not merely upon any secular account, as because they are rich, or learned, or kind to us, or of our denomination among religious parties; but because they are God's children, his regenerating grace appears in them, his image and superscription are upon them, and so in them God himself is loved. Thus we see what that love to the brethren is that is so pressed in this epistle; it is love to them as the children of God and the adopted brethren of the Lord Jesus. 2. How we may learn the truth of our love to God - it appears in our holy obedience: When we love God, and keep his commandments, Jo1 5:2. Then we truly, and in gospel account, love God, when we keep his commandments: For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and the keeping of his commandments requires a spirit inclined thereto and delighting herein; and so his commandments are not grievous, Jo1 5:3. Or, This is the love of God, that, as thereby we are determined to obedience, and to keep the commandments of God, so his commandments are thereby made easy and pleasant to us. The lover of God says, "O how I love thy law! I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart (Psa 119:32), when thou shalt enlarge it either with love or with thy Spirit, the spring of love." 3. What is and ought to be the result and effect of regeneration - an intellectual spiritual conquest of this world: For whatsoever is born of God, or, as in some copies, whosoever is born of God, overcometh the world, Jo1 5:4. He that is born of God is born for God, and consequently for another world. He has a temper and disposition that tend to a higher and better world; and he is furnished with such arms, or such a weapon, whereby he can repel and conquer this; as it is added, And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith, Jo1 5:4. Faith is the cause of victory, the means, the instrument, the spiritual armour and artillery by which we overcome; for, (1.) In and by faith we cleave to Christ, in contempt of, and opposition to, the world. (2.) Faith works in and by love to God and Christ, and so withdraws us from the love of the world. (3.) Faith sanctifies the heart, and purifies it from those sensual lusts by which the world obtains such sway and dominion over souls. (4.) It receives and derives strength from the object of it, the Son of God, for conquering the frowns and flatteries of the world. (5.) It obtains by gospel promise a right to the indwelling Spirit of grace, that is greater than he who dwells in the world. (6.) It sees an invisible world at hand, with which this world is not worthy to be compared, and into which it tells the soul in which it resides it must be continually prepared to enter; and thereupon,
III. The apostle concludes that it is the real Christian that is the true conqueror of the world: Who is he then that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? Jo1 5:5. It is the world that lies in our way to heaven, and is the great impediment to our entrance there. But he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God believes therein that Jesus Came from God to be the Saviour of the world, and powerfully to conduct us from the world to heaven, and to God, who is fully to be enjoyed there. And he who so believes must needs by this faith overcome the world. For, 1. He must be well satisfied that this world is a vehement enemy to his soul, to his holiness, his salvation, and his blessedness. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world, Jo1 2:16. 2. He sees it must be a great part of the Saviour's work, and of his own salvation, to be redeemed and rescued from this malignant world. Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, Gal 1:4. 3. He sees in and by the life and conduct of the Lord Jesus on earth that this world is to be renounced and overcome. 4. He perceives that the Lord Jesus conquered the world, not for himself only, but for his followers; and they must study to be partakers of his victory. Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. 5. He is taught and influenced by the Lord Jesus's death to be mortified and crucified to the world. God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified to me, and I unto the world, Gal 6:14. 6. He is begotten by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to the lively hope of a blessed world above, Pe1 1:3. 7. He knows that the Saviour has gone to heaven, and is there preparing a place for his serious believers, Joh 14:2. 8. He knows that his Saviour will come again thence, and will put an end to this world, and judge the inhabitants of it, and receive his believers to his presence and glory, Joh 14:3. 9. He is possessed with a spirit and disposition that cannot be satisfied with this world, that look beyond it, and are still tending, striving, and pressing, towards the world in heaven. In this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven, Co2 5:2. So that it is the Christian religion that affords its proselytes a universal empire. It is the Christian revelation that is the great means of conquering the world, and gaining another that is most pure and peaceful, blessed and eternal. It is there, in that revelation, that we see what are the occasion and ground of the quarrel and contest between the holy God and this rebellious world. It is there that we meet with sacred doctrine (both speculative and practical), quite contrary to the tenour, temper, and tendency of this world. It is by that doctrine that a spirit is communicated and diffused which is superior and adverse to the spirit of the world. It is there we see that the Saviour himself was not of this world that his kingdom was not and is not so, that it must be separated from the world and gathered out of it for heaven and for God. There we see that the Saviour designs not this world for the inheritance and portion of his saved company. As he has gone to heaven himself, so he assures them he goes to prepare for their residence there, as designing they should always dwell with him, and allowing them to believe that if in this life, and this world only, they had hope in him, they should at last be but miserable. It is there that the eternal blessed world is most clearly revealed and proposed to our affection and pursuit. It is there that we are furnished with the best arms and artillery against the assaults and attempts of the world. It is there that we are taught how the world may be out-shot in its own bow, or its artillery turned against itself; and its oppositions, encounters, and persecutions, be made serviceable to our conquest of the world, and to our motion and ascent to the higher heavenly world: and there we are encouraged by a whole army and cloud of holy soldiers, who have in their several ages, posts, and stations, overcome the world, and won the crown. It is the real Christian that is the proper hero, who vanquishes the world and rejoices in a universal victory. Nor does he (for he is far superior to the Grecian monarch) mourn that there is not another world to be subdued, but lays hold on the eternal world of life, and in a sacred sense takes the kingdom of heaven by violence too. Who in all the world but the believer on Jesus Christ can thus overcome the world?
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–5. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Catholic Epistles
Who is he that overcomes the world, etc.? He overcomes the world who, believing that Jesus is the Son of God, combines works worthy of that faith. But does the faith and confession of His divinity alone suffice for salvation? See what follows.
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on 1 John
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. And whoever loves the one who created him loves also the one who is born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
John confirms the discourse again with others, thereby strengthening it in a certain way: If we have received the command from the Master to love one another mutually, surely if we believe that our Master and Teacher is Jesus Christ, who is Christ in the same way that God and man are: we shall also observe his commandments as both a Teacher and as God. Furthermore, believing him to be God, we are called his children: just as it is said in the Gospels: "But as many as received him, that is, as many as believed in him, he gave them the power to become the children of God." (Jn. 1:12) If, therefore, we are born of him, we shall also fulfill what is fitting for him who begot us. What is this? That we love him who created us, since it follows from the nature of children that they love their parents. Since this is the case, all of us who have believed are born of the same. If we are born of the same, we are also indebted to love one another: both because we are brothers and because we are born of the same.
And John adds this persuasion: that whoever loves the one who created him loves also the one who is born of him. Then he uses a change of discourse and says that love for brothers or the children of God confirms love for Him who created. For John previously said: "he who loves God must love his brother also. (1 Jn. 4:21):" now, however, in an inverted discourse, he says that whoever loves the children of God also loves God: and he places the sign of love for God as love for the brother. Then he also says that love for God brings about the observance of His commandments: rightly saying this: for "Whoever loves me," says the Savior, "keeps my commandments."(Jn. 14:21
"For this is the love of God." In the superlative (ὑπερθατῷ), that what is proposed should be understood in this way: For this is the love of God that we keep His commandments, because whatever is born of God overcomes the world. Furthermore, and his commandments are not burdensome, it has been interpolated.
"and His commandments are not burdensome." Not as Christ said, "My yoke is easy (Matt. 11:30);" thus He Himself said that the commandments are light, but that they are not burdensome: for to him who is brought to virtue, even what is light is considered very heavy; just as to one who has lost strength and health, everything that makes for good, even what is very light, seems heavy. Indeed, because the commandments of God seemed burdensome to some, as they are God's, for this reason He says that His commandments are not burdensome. For what burden is there in loving a brother?
Furthermore, what burdensome does it cause to visit one who is in prison? For he does not command to free him who is in prison, which would be difficult, but only to visit; nor does he command to free the sick from their illness, but only to visit; nor does he command to set a lavish table for the hungry, nor to provide clothing to the naked prepared with unnecessary embellishment; but he requires what provides necessary use for him who is hungry or naked. After he has arranged these things in this way, he adds to what has already been said another thing that leads to the showing of love, what is that? Victory (ὴν νίκην). For John says: you who establish yourselves as sons of God by love for your neighbor, you already have this that accompanies that excellent deed, namely, to conquer the world; For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. Then John adds victory, and what is the cause of victory, and he says that both agree with faith, namely, that which is towards God, which also born of God, has conquered and driven away all disbelief; neither Jew, nor Greek, nor Heretic can do anything against it.
And since faith does not conquer alone, but together with the one who possesses it, John adds: "And who is it that overcomes the world, except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" But who is this Jesus? “He who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ”. (1 Jn. 5:6)
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
This verse succinctly defines the victor over the world, identifying this triumph not with human strength or wisdom, but with a specific, foundational belief. It serves as a powerful concluding statement to John's discussion of the victory that faith brings, pinpointing the precise object of that saving faith: the divine sonship of Jesus Christ. This declaration counters prevailing heresies and provides assurance to believers regarding the source and nature of their spiritual conquest.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse builds directly upon the preceding declaration in 1 John 5:4, which states, "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." Having established that those born of God conquer the world through their faith, 1 John 5:5 then narrows the focus, answering the implicit question of who specifically achieves this victory. It acts as a definitive statement, clarifying the object of the faith mentioned in the previous verse, thereby linking the believer's spiritual birth, their faith, and their victory over the world to the singular truth of Jesus' divine Sonship. The broader context of 1 John 5 emphasizes the interconnectedness of loving God, keeping His commandments, and believing in Jesus, all of which contribute to the assurance of salvation and the power to overcome.
Historical & Cultural Context: John's First Epistle was likely written in Ephesus towards the end of the first century, addressing a Christian community grappling with proto-Gnostic teachings, particularly Cerinthianism and Docetism. These heresies challenged the full humanity and/or divinity of Jesus. Cerinthus, for example, taught that the divine "Christ" descended upon the human "Jesus" at His baptism and departed before His crucifixion, thus denying the continuous union of divine and human in one person. Docetism asserted that Jesus only appeared to be human, denying His true incarnation. In this environment, John's emphatic declaration that "Jesus is the Son of God" was not merely a theological statement but a direct refutation of these dangerous doctrines. The "world" in this context refers to the prevailing human system of values, philosophies, and spiritual forces that oppose God, including these false teachings that sought to undermine the true nature of Christ and, by extension, the efficacy of His atoning work.
Key Themes: 1 John 5:5 contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive in John's epistle. Foremost is the theme of Victory Over the World, which is not a future hope but a present reality for believers, rooted in their spiritual birth and faith, as elaborated in 1 John 5:4. This victory is intrinsically linked to the Divine Sonship of Jesus, a central tenet that John relentlessly upholds against all heresies. Believing that Jesus is the Son of God is presented as the foundational truth that empowers believers to overcome the "world" – a term encompassing all that is antithetical to God's will, including sin, false doctrines, and worldly systems. Furthermore, the verse underscores the Supremacy of Faith as the instrument through which this victory is realized, emphasizing that it is not human effort but a deep, abiding trust in Christ's true identity that enables the believer to live a life triumphant over the forces of darkness. This faith also connects to the theme of Assurance of Salvation, as believing in the Son of God is the pathway to eternal life and confidence in one's relationship with God, as seen in 1 John 5:13.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs a Rhetorical Question ("Who is he that overcometh the world...?") to draw the reader into the profound truth it is about to reveal. This technique serves to emphasize the exclusivity and importance of the answer. Immediately following, the verse provides a direct Definition and Clarification, explicitly stating the identity of the overcomer. This structure creates a sense of suspense and then delivers a clear, unambiguous theological statement. Furthermore, there is an implicit Contrast between those who do not believe this truth (and thus cannot overcome) and those who do (who are the true victors). The simplicity and directness of the language, characteristic of John's writing, serve to underscore the absolute necessity and sufficiency of this core belief for Christian victory.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 John 5:5 stands as a powerful theological anchor, asserting that the believer's victory over the world is inextricably linked to the confession of Jesus' divine Sonship. This is not merely an intellectual assent but a transformative, life-altering faith that connects the individual to the very power of God. The "world" here represents the entire system alienated from God, including its sinful desires, false philosophies, and spiritual opposition. To overcome it means to live a life that transcends its dominion, empowered by the Spirit of God. This victory is not achieved through human effort or wisdom, but through a faith that embraces the ultimate truth of who Jesus is – the unique, divine Son of God, sent by the Father to redeem humanity. This foundational belief is the wellspring of spiritual strength, enabling believers to resist temptation, stand firm against error, and live righteously in a fallen world.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world saturated with competing ideologies, relentless temptations, and systems that often stand in direct opposition to God's truth, 1 John 5:5 offers profound encouragement and a clear blueprint for spiritual triumph. Our ability to navigate the complexities and challenges of life, to resist the pull of sin, and to stand firm in our faith is not predicated on our own willpower, intellect, or circumstances, but entirely on the unwavering conviction that Jesus is indeed the Son of God. This belief is the anchor for our souls, providing stability amidst the storms and empowering us to live a life that reflects God's values rather than the world's. It calls us to continually affirm and deepen our understanding of Christ's divine nature, recognizing that in Him, we possess the ultimate victory. This truth liberates us from the fear of failure and equips us to live courageously, knowing that the one who lives in us is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean to "overcome the world" according to this verse?
Answer: To "overcome the world" (Greek: nikáō the kósmos) does not mean to physically conquer nations or to escape earthly problems. Instead, it refers to a spiritual victory over the fallen, ungodly system of human values, desires, and philosophies that oppose God. It encompasses triumphing over the allure of sin, the pressures of cultural norms that contradict biblical truth, the deceit of false teachings, and the spiritual forces of evil. It means living a life that is not conformed to the patterns of this world but is transformed by the renewing of the mind, as described in Romans 12:2. This victory is ongoing and is a present reality for those who believe in Jesus.
Why is believing that Jesus is the Son of God so crucial for overcoming the world?
Answer: Believing that Jesus is the Son of God is crucial because it affirms His unique divine nature, His authority, and His redemptive power. This belief is the foundation of Christian faith and directly counters any attempts to diminish Christ's identity, which were prevalent in John's time and continue today. When we truly believe in Jesus as the divine Son, we acknowledge His ultimate victory over sin, death, and the world (as He declared in John 16:33). This faith connects us to His power, enabling us to participate in His victory. It is through His divine nature and His atoning work that we are empowered to resist the world's temptations and live according to God's will, as 1 John 5:4 explains that "whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 John 5:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true "Son of God." He is the quintessential Overcomer, having triumphed over sin, death, and the very "world" system that stands in opposition to God. His declaration in John 16:33, "I have overcome the world," is the bedrock upon which the believer's victory stands. Jesus, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, decisively defeated the powers of darkness and the dominion of sin, as Colossians 2:15 powerfully declares. Therefore, when a believer "believeth that Jesus is the Son of God," they are not merely assenting to a theological fact, but are aligning themselves with Christ's finished work. Their victory over the world is not an independent achievement but a participation in His already secured triumph. It is through union with Him, the victorious Son, that believers are born of God and receive the Spirit who empowers them to live a life of ongoing conquest, reflecting the very victory of their Lord. This truth underscores that Christian life is not about striving for victory, but living from a victory already won by Christ, the Son of God.